After a miraculous recovery obtained before the Appeal Board of the DNCG, Olympique Lyonnais strives to regain sporting stability. The arrival of Paulo Fonseca at the head of the team brought some calm after periods of uncertainty related to John Textour. The training has resumed fully since 9 July, and the team seems to be rebuilding after a period of turbulence. The absence of new recruits, for the time being, allows the coach to focus on developing young talent and work in an environment that is gradually recovering from its difficulties. Cooperation with the technical director of OL has improved, stressing a willingness to turn the page on past uncertainties.

At the same time, OL’s financial crisis was mentioned publicly by Grégory Doucet, the mayor of Lyon, who pointed to the responsibility of Jean-Michel Aulas, the club’s historic president. This statement, relayed by L’Equipe, could be interpreted as a political attack, given the potential ambitions of Jean-Michel Aulas in Lyon City Hall in 2026. Doucet regrets that Aulas did not anticipate the risks associated with selling the club to Textour, despite DNCG’s warnings during this transaction.

OL’s situation illustrates the complexity of the intertwining between sport and politics. Michelle Kang, the new president, praised the support of local elected officials, including Gregory Doucet, Bruno Bernard and Laurence Fautra. Jean-Michel Aulas, for his part, multiplied public interventions to denounce John Textour’s mismanagement, while potentially preparing his candidacy for municipal elections. Despite the controversies, Doucet acknowledged Aulas’s significant contribution to OL’s great hours, highlighting a political dimension inherent in their exchanges.